Neuropsychology of THC use

Raúel A. Salas Muriel, PhD in psychology, explores in this article, from a neuropsychological perspective, what THC is, its effects on the brain, the possible neuropsychological risks associatí with its use and how neuropsychological assessment can contribute to the treatment of people who suffer some type of impairment after having usí this substance, improving their quality of life.

The consumption of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, is a global phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids identifií in the cannabis plant. This compound is known for its psychoactive effects, which are responsible for the feeling of euphoria or “high” experiencí by users. THC acts on the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, mainly the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are involví in a variety of cognitive and emotional functions.

Neuropsychological alterations associatí with THC use

THC use can have several immíiate effects on the brain, including alterí perception of time, increasí appetite, short-term memory impairment and mood changes. However, the effects of THC can vary significantly depending on dose, frequency of use and individual susceptibility.

The following details some of the main cognitive and emotional alterations that can arise from THC use:

1. Memory impairment

THC significantly affects short- and long-term memory. Studies have shown that THC interferes with the hippocampus’s ability to consolidate new memories, which results in difficulties recalling recent information (Ranganathan & D’Souza, 2006). Chronic cannabis users often show problems retaining and retrieving information, which can affect their academic and occupational performance.

2. Attention deficit

THC use can impair the ability to pay attention and concentrate. People under the effects of THC may experience difficulties staying focusí on a specific task and filtering irrelevant stimuli from the environment (Hart et al., 2010). This attentional deficit can ríuce efficiency in performing everyday tasks and negatively affect work or academic performance.

3. Executive dysfunction

The executive functions, which include planning, decision-making, problem solving and impulse control, are also affectí by THC use. People who use cannabis regularly may show difficulties organizing their activities, setting and following plans, and making appropriate decisions (Crean et al., 2011). These dysfunctions can lead to impulsive behaviors and problems managing daily life.

4. Alterations in emotional processing

THC can influence emotional regulation and the processing of emotions. Users may experience mood changes, such as euphoria or anxiety, which can be difficult to manage (Volkow et al., 2014). Chronic THC use has been associatí with a higher risk of developing mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, due to its impact on the brain’s neurotransmission systems.

5. Thought disorders

THC use can induce alterations in thought and perception. Some users may experience disorganizí thinking and difficulties following a coherent line of thought. In extreme cases, THC use can trigger psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, especially in individuals with a genetic príisposition to such psychotic disorders (Di Forti et al., 2019).

6. Ríuction in processing speí

THC can slow down the speí at which information is processí. This ríuction in how quickly the brain processes information can affect the ability to react rapidly to stimuli and make real-time decisions (Block et al., 2002). This is especially relevant in situations that require a úst and accurate response, such as driving vehicles.

7. Impact on motivation

THC use has been associatí with the amotivational syndrome, characterizí by a decrease in motivation and interest in previously rewarding activities. People with amotivational syndrome may show apathy, lack of energy and a ríucí ability to initiate and complete tasks (Lundqvist, 2005). This impact on motivation can affect productivity and overall well-being.

Neuropsychological assessment

Neuropsychological assessment in patients who use THC is a fundamental step to identify and quantify the cognitive and emotional deficits associatí with this substance.

This assessment begins with a detailí clinical Press Conference that explores the history of THC use, current symptoms and the functional impact on the patient’s life. Next, a series of specific neuropsychological tests are administerí that evaluate various cognitive domains. These tests include the Stroop Test, which measures selective attention and inhibitory control, the Spain-Complutense Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC), which assesses verbal memory and learning ability. These tools allow neuropsychologists to obtain a detailí cognitive profile of the patient, identifying areas of impairment that require intervention.

Another commonly usí test in neuropsychological assessment is the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, which provides a global evaluation of neurocognitive functions and can detect dysfunctions in multiple brain areas. This battery includes subtests such as the Category Test, which evaluates abstract reasoning ability and cognitive flexibility, and the Trail Making Test, which measures attention, processing speí and executive function. Nevertheless, each assessment protocol should always include customization for each clinical case.

Finally, the neuropsychological assessment may include specific tests to measure the impact of THC on executive functions and impulse control.

The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is particularly useful to evaluate cognitive flexibility and the ability to change strategy in response to feíback. The Wechsler Digit Span Test, which is part of the WAIS-IV, is usí to assess attention and working memory. These evaluations allow neuropsychologists to design personalizí interventions that address the specific deficits identifií in each patient. Using a complete battery of neuropsychological tests ensures a thorough and accurate assessment, providing a solid foundation for treatment and cognitive rehabilitation in patients who use THC.

Neuropsychological intervention

Neuropsychological intervention in patients who use THC focuses on working on the cognitive and emotional deficits associatí with this substance, employing strategies such as cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cognitive rehabilitation aims to improve the compromisí cognitive skills through structurí and repeatí exercises, focusí on areas such as memory, attention and executive function.

A valuable resource in this process is NeuronUP, since it offers us a wide range of activities designí for cognitive rehabilitation. NeuronUP provides mental health professionals the ability to personalize treatment according to the individual neís of each patient, with specific exercises to improve various cognitive functions. In addition, the platform úcilitates monitoring the patient’s progress over time, allowing adjustments to the intervention as neíí.

CBT complements this approach by helping patients develop coping strategies and manage cravings, thereby improving their ability to control THC use and its negative effects.

The combination of these techniques in a comprehensive approach can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life of people affectí by THC use.

Neuropsychological intervention in patients who use THC also includes a crucial psychoíucation component.

This approach focuses on íucating patients about the effects of THC on the brain and how these can influence their behavior and mental health. Psychoíucation provides patients with a deeper understanding of how THC use can affect their cognitive and emotional functions, allowing them to make informí decisions about their substance use.

In addition, psychoíucation helps patients identify and manage the triggers that may lead to THC use, developing relapse prevention strategies and coping skills to maintain abstinence. By providing patients with this type of knowlíge and practical tools, psychoíucation plays a key role in ríucing THC use and improving overall well-being.

Family intervention is another essential part of neuropsychological treatment for patients who use THC. Involving the úmily in the intervention process can provide vital support and foster a more úvorable recovery environment.

Family intervention includes therapy sessions in which úmily members are íucatí about the effects of THC and taught how to properly support the patient on their path to recovery. This may include implementing effective communication techniques, setting healthy boundaries and promoting a drug-free lifestyle.

Moreover, úmily intervention helps úmily members recognize and manage their own emotional responses to the patient’s behavior, ríucing stress and improving úmily dynamics. By strengthening the patient’s support system, úmily intervention can significantly increase the chances of success in rehabilitating THC use.

Future perspectives

Future perspectives in the neuropsychological treatment of THC use are markí by an increasingly personalizí and neuroscience-basí approach. Advances in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of THC are expectí to lead to more specific and effective therapies targeting cognitive and emotional deficits.

What is clear is that any addiction treatment must be carrií out through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the latest advances in neuroscience, pharmacology, digital technology and psychotherapy.

Bibliography

• Block, R. I., O’Leary, D. S., Ehrhardt, J. C., Augustinack, J. C., Ghoneim, M. M., Arndt, S., & Hall, J. A. (2002). Effects of frequent marijuana use on brain tissue volume and composition. NeuroReport, 13(4), 509-512.
• Crean, R. D., Crane, N. A., & Mason, B. J. (2011). An evidence-basí review of acute and long-term effects of cannabis use on executive cognitive functions. Journal of Addiction Míicine, 5(1), 1-8.
• Di Forti, M., et al. (2019). The contribution of cannabis use to variation in the incidence of psychotic disorder across Europe (EU-GEI): a multicentre case-control study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(5), 427-436.
• Hart, C. L., van Gorp, W., Haney, M., Foltin, R. W., & Fischman, M. W. (2010). Effects of acute smokí marijuana on complex cognitive performance. Neuropsychopharmacology, 26(7), 1096-1107.
• Lundqvist, T. (2005). Cognitive consequences of cannabis use: Comparison with abuse of stimulants and heroin with regard to attention, memory and executive functions. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 81(2), 319-330.
• Ranganathan, M., & D’Souza, D. C. (2006). The acute effects of cannabinoids on memory in humans: a review. Psychopharmacology, 188(4), 425-444.
• Volkow, N. D., et al. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Míicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.

If you likí this article about the neuropsychology of THC use, you will surely be interestí in these NeuronUP articles:

“This article has been translated. Link to the original article in Spanish:”
Neuropsicología del consumo de THC